Montclair State University

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Student Toolbox
Section Name

Mailing Options

FedEx
Inter-Departmental Mail
Tracking
USPS
1st Class Mail
Priority Mail
Express Mail
Insured Mail
Certified Mail
Registered Mail
Return Receipt
Special Handling

The Central Mail Services acts as the University's liaison to the US Postal Services, guides you through the regulations, coordinates the University's daily mail delivery from the USPS Montclair branch station to University departments, and meters all USPS mail submitted by departments.

Preparing Mail for Metering

Central Mail Services does not charge a fee to departments for metering outgoing letter mail; units are charged for actual postage.

Packaging and Separating Mail

Items sent to Mail Services for metering should be packaged carefully to avoid damage in transit. Please do not place mail in cardboard boxes or send loose. Proper mailing containers are available through University Mail Services by calling (973) 655-6834 or by asking your route driver.
Separating mail by service class is also important. Outgoing U.S. Mail should be separated from internal campus mail. International mail should be separated from domestic mail.

FedEx

Mail Services is responsible for the delivery of Fed-Ex packages in addition to the United States Postal Service and Inter-Office Mail Services.

If you have any questions concerning Fed-Ex Services, please contact Central Mail Services at 973-655-6834.

All other couriers are being handled by Central Receiving. If you have any questions concerning UPS and DHL Services, please contact Central Receiving Services at 973-655-4359.

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Inter-Departmental Mail

  • All campus mail should be enclosed in the reusable inter-office envelopes, not in white or first-class envelopes.
  • This will cut the cost of campus mail, prevent delays in handling, and eliminate the possibility of campus mail being inadvertently metered and mailed out.
    • Reduced costs - since the envelopes can be re-used several times.
    • Saving staff time – inter departmental envelopes are designed to be hand written rather than typed.
    • Reduces paper refuse.
    • Reduces the possibility of postage error - Use of inter departmental envelopes reduces the chance of wasted postage.
  • These envelopes are designed to be used many times, and are supplied by mail services.
  • Extreme caution is to be exercised when using the Inter-Office envelope, taking care that all previous markings have been masked out to ensure proper handling to the intended recipient.
  • The addressee is always to appear on the last line, do not address between previous markings.
  • If confidentiality is a factor, place the material in a regular, sealed, business envelope before placing it in an inter-office envelope. While this may seem to be a duplication of work, it eliminates the possibility of mailing out interdepartmental mail.

Example of properly addressed inter-office envelope

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Tracking

Use the links below along with your package tracking number to track your package.

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USPS

Service
Delivery Time
Class of Mail
1st Class
1 - 5 days
 Items such as statements, invoices, and typed material.
3rd Class
1 - 10 days
 Printed matter which does not require 1st class.
Non-Profit Bulk
5 - 10 days
 Printed matter of Non-Profit Bulk. A minimum of 200 identical mailing pieces or 50 pounds.
Express Mail
Next day
 Money-back guaranteed overnight next day service
Registered Mail
1 - 5 days
Same as 1st class but item has a declared $25,000.00 value.
A signature is required.
Certified Mail
1 - 5 days
 Same as 1st class, no declared value. A signature is required.
Insured Mail
1 - 10 days
Declared value but does not require 1st class service.

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US Postal Rates

Now you can calculate postage right from your computer.
Select the type of service for your mailing needs. Have size, shape, weight and ZIP Code information ready. Find a Zip Code

Calculate Domestic Postage
Easily calculate retail postage rates and estimated delivery times

Calculate Business Postage
Calculate domestic postage for all volume discount mail

Calculate International Postage
Easily calculate global postage rates and estimated delivery times

US Postal Service all rates and fees Effective January 08, 2006.

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First Class Mail

Any mailable matter may be mailed as first-class mail. The following examples are considered first-class matter and must carry postage at first-class or priority rates.

First-Class Mail includes:

  • First-Class Mail cards
    • The least expensive, most immediate way to reach someone
  • First-Class Mail letters
    • Everyday letter mail. Affix a stamp, and drop it in the mailbox.
  • First-Class Mail envelopes
    • Mail lots of material in large envelopes
  • Fist-Class Mail packages
    • Letters, envelopes, and small packages weighing 13 ounces or less
  • Presorted First-Class Mail
    • Discount mail is your best option if you mail in volume. For discounted First-Class Mail, you must have 500 or more pieces per mailing and you must do some additional work to make your mail easier for the postal service to handle
  • Postcards, letters, and large envelopes
  • Handwritten or typewritten letters
  • Business correspondence
  • Business invoices
  • Bills and statements of account
  • Postcards
  • Price lists
  • Blank printed forms filled out in writing
  • Advertisements and lightweight merchandise

The weight limit for First-Class Mail is 13 ounces. For heavier items, use Priority Mail.

First Class Mail Rates Postcard and Stamped Card Rates
First ounce $0.39 Postcard (commercially sold) $0.24
Each additional ounce $0.24 Stamped card (sold by USPS) $0.26

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Priority Mail

Priority Mail is available for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. Priority Mail has an expected delivery time of 2-3 days.

  • Delivery to every address in the United States.
  • Delivery to PO Boxes.
  • Saturday and residential deliveries at no extra cost.
  • Flat rate boxes are available in two different sizes at no extra cost.
  • Maximum weight is 70 pounds.
  • The maximum size is 108 inches in length and distance around the thickest part combined.
  • The shipments are not trackable.
  • Delivery Confirmation can be used to notify you when a package has been received.

How to Add Extra Services:

  • Certified Mail
    • Get a mailing receipt and can verify date and time of delivery online
  • Certificate of Mailing
    • Receipt shows evidence of mailing and can be purchased only at the time of mailing
  • Insured Mail
    • Protect items up to $5,000 in value against damage or loss

Priority Mail Rates

Rates are determined by weight and postal zone

Weight
not over
(pounds)
Local
Zones
1, 2, and 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
1
$4.05
$4.05
$4.05
$4.05
$4.05
$4.05
2
$4.20
$4.80
$5.15
$5.30
$5.70
$6.05
3
$5.00
$6.40
$7.20
$7.55
$8.25
$9.00
4
$5.60
$7.45
$8.50
$8.95
$9.95
$10.90
5
$6.15
$8.45
$9.80
$10.40
$11.60
$12.80

Priority Mail "Balloon Rate"

Items that weighs less than 15 pounds but measures more than 84 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part must pay the 15-pound Priority Mail zoned rate.

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Express Mail

Express Mail provides overnight service for letters, business documents, and parcels. This method provides tracking using a unique shipping number. Destinations may be to any domestic or international mailing address.

  • Guaranteed next-day and second-day delivery nationwide or your money back
  • Includes tracking, proof of delivery, and insurance up to $100
  • Additional insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased for merchandise
  • Express Mail service is available 365 days a year with no extra charge for Saturday, Sunday, and holiday delivery
  • Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available at no charg
  • All packages must use an Express Mail label
  • The maximum weight is 70 pounds

Express Mail Rates

Weight
Rate
Up to 8 ounces
$14.40
Over 8 ounces up to 2 pounds
18.80
Up to 3 pounds
22.20
Up to 4 pounds
25.50
Up to 5 pounds
28.75
Up to 6 pounds
32.05
Up to 7 pounds
35.25
Up to 8 pounds
36.65
Up to 9 pounds

38.15
Up to 10 pounds
39.50

Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope

$14.40, regardless of weight or destination, for matter sent in a Flat Rate envelope.

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Insured Mail

You can obtain payment for domestic mail that has been lost, rifled or damaged by having it insured. Maximum liability is $5,000.
Security is crucial when you’re sending valuables through the mail. Insure your package only for what its contents are worth; you’re only covered for the actual value at the time and place of mailing.

Amount of Insurance and Fees

Amount of insurance desired
Fee in addition to postage
$0.01 to $50.00
$1.35
50.01 to 100.00
2.30
100.01 to 200.00
3.35
200.01 to 300.00
4.40
300.01 to 400.00
5.45
400.01 to 500.00
6.50

For items of greater value requiring additional insurance, try Registered Mail, which covers up to $25,000. Registered Mail can only be used with First-class Mail and Priority Mail.

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Certified Mail

Certified Mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt, and a record of delivery is maintained at the recipient's post office for two years. A return receipt to provide you with proof of delivery can be obtained for an additional fee.

  • Certified Mail service is available only for First Class Mail and Priority Mail.
  • You receive a receipt stamped with the date of mailing.
  • Recipient’s signature is obtained at the time of delivery
  • No insurance coverage is provided.
  • A numbered certified label and completed receipt must be affixed.
  • You can obtain labels from Mail Services.

Fee in addition to postage—$2.40

For an additional fee, you can request a copy of the signature record before or after delivery with Return Receipt.

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Registered Mail

When you’re sending valuable or irreplaceable items through the mail, protect them with Registered Mail. Items you send with Registered Mail are placed under tight security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery, and insured up to $25,000 against loss or damage. And you can verify the date and time of delivery and the delivery attempts online. Registered Mail to Canada is subject to a $1,000 indemnity limit. To all other foreign countries, the indemnity limit is currently $40.45.

  • Insured up to $25,000.00
  • Verify the date and time of delivery online

Registered Mail Fees Without Insurance

Declared value without postal insurance
Fee in addition to postage
$0.00
$7.90

Registered Mail Fees With Insurance

Declared value with postal insurance
Fee in addition to postage
$0.01 to $100.00
$8.45
100.01 to 500.00
9.35
500.01 to 1,000.00
10.25
1,000.01 to 2,000.00
11.15
2,000.01 to 3,000.00
12.05
3,000.01 to 4,000.00
12.95
4,000.01 to 5,000.00
13.85
5000.01 to 6,000.00
14.75
6,000.01 to 7,000.00
15.65
7,000.01 to 8,000.00
16.55
8,000.01 to 9,000.00
17.45
9,000.01 to 10,000.00
18.35
10,000.01 to 11,000.00
19.25
11,000.01 to 12,000.00
20.15
12,000.01 to 13,000.00
21.05
13,000.01 to 14,000.00
21.95

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Return Receipt

A Return Receipt provides the sender a postcard or electronic notification, via fax or email, with the date of delivery and recipient's signature.

  • A Return Receipt may be requested at the time of mailing or after mailing.
  • When requested at the time of mailing, it also provides the recipient's actual delivery address if different from the address used by the sender.
  • Customers purchasing a Return Receipt at the time of mailing may choose to receive it by mail or electronically. An electronic Return Receipt is available at most Post Offices and are not available when a mailpiece is sent to APO or FPO addresses or U.S. territories, possessions, and freely associated states.
  • Return Receipts are available for Express Mail (by mail only), First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, or Media Mail when purchased with one of the following: Certified Mail, COD, mail insured for more than $50, and Registered Mail.

Fee in addition to postage:
Requested at time of mailing (Form 3811, by mail)—$1.85
Requested at time of mailing (receive electronically)—$1.35
Requested after mailing (Form 3811-A)—$3.45

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Special Handling

  • Provides preferential handling for items such as perishables, insects, or poultry. The service does not insure the article against loss or damage.
  • Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail.
  • For an additional fee, special handling may be combined with COD, Delivery Confirmation, insured mail, parcel airlift (PAL) (Package Services only), return receipt for merchandise, or Signature Confirmation.

Fee in addition to postage:
Pieces weighing not more than 10 pounds—$6.25
Pieces weighing more than 10 pounds—$8.70

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